Simple solutions for six common problems

1. Dry, brittle hair

The cause. Excessive blow drying, chemical coloring agents, and the wrong kind of conditioner are the most common culprits. Hormonal imbalances may be to blame, especially if you’re menopausal or perimenopausal. Less common: thyroid disease or Grave’s disease, an autoimmune disorder, can cause dryness and breakage of hair. And lack of hydration impacts hair, leaving it parched and brittle.

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The fix. Once you’ve ruled out possible medical causes, focus on moisturizing, with super-emollient shampoos and conditioners; look for those with biotin, a B vitamin that increases the elasticity of the hair’s cortex to keep brittle hair from breaking (you can take biotin supplements, too). Use a deep conditioner or hair repair formula weekly.

acure Organics Root + Hair Deep Repair is a hair mask that locks in moisture and restores shine and strength with nourishing argan oil. Great for hair that’s been color-treated and/or damaged by heat.

And avoid excessively steamy showers and heat drying; both can strip oils from the scalp and dehydrate hair.

Acure Organics Root + Hair Deep Repair is a hair mask that locks in moisture and restores shine and strength with nourishing argan oil. Great for hair that’s been color-treated and/or damaged by heat.

2. Dull hair

The cause. Most often, it’s a buildup of hair product; spray, mousse, and even conditioner that coat the hair shaft over time, dulling luster and weighing hair down. Chlorine from swimming pools (and even tap water) can dull hair. Dry hair also looks less lustrous than well-conditioned locks.

The fix. Use a clarifying shampoo once a week to remove hair product buildup; a clarifying scalp treatment also helps break down oils coating the hair shaft and leaves locks perky and shiny. For a simple, natural fix, rinse hair weekly in apple cider vinegar. Keep locks well-conditioned to promote shine, and look for a conditioner that specifically focuses on luster. Plant oil serums can also bring glow back to dull hair.

3. Frizzies

The cause. In winter, cold, dry air and indoor heating lead to a lack of humidity in the air, leaving hair dull and frizzy, and causing flyaway locks. If you have curly hair, your problems will be compounded in the summer, when excessive humidity in the air can make curls unmanageable. Lack of dietary fat can also lead to year-round frizzies.

The fix. Tame frizzy, flyaway hair by spritzing your hairbrush with hairspray; combat damage and dryness with leave-in conditioners (keep a small bottle in your purse for daytime touchups). Skip brushing and use a wide-toothed comb to style hair instead. And increase levels of healthy fats with hemp oil or flax seed oil; try a tablespoon a day in smoothies or salads.

Giovanni hair care Frizz Be Gone is a soothing serum made with organic botanicals that instantly tames strays and flyaways. This glossy hair elixir also helps to protect against heat damage from styling tools.

4. Thinning hair

The cause. Genetics and hormones are the most likely culprits; tight hairstyles, like slicked-back ponytails and buns, can lead to “traction alopecia,” a condition that weakens hair follicles and stops hair growth. Hair loss and thinning can occur with low levels of iron or vitamin D, or a lack of dietary protein. Same with some kinds of medication, especially antidepressants. And inflammation can damage hair follicles, leading to early hair loss.

The fix. Address any medical causes, get your iron and vitamin D levels checked, and amp up dietary protein; aim for 40–50 grams a day, or about 25–30 percent of your daily calories. Add a scoop of plant-based protein powder to smoothies to fill in the gaps. Hair growth vitamins can help. And loosen up: if your pony or bun is tugging on your skin, it’s too tight for your hair. Wear hair down, or gather it loosely in a coated band.

5. Oily hair

The cause. Sebaceous glands in the scalp are responsible for producing oils that moisturize the scalp and hair shaft; hormonal imbalances and certain diseases of the pituitary or adrenal glands can shift them into overdrive, leaving hair oily and flat; ovarian disorders can have the same effect. Over-brushing hair can make it look oilier, since you’re distributing oil from the scalp through hair strands; the same goes for over-conditioning hair.

The fix. Once you’ve ruled out any possible medical causes, a dry shampoo can help; or try a simple DIY fix: mix 4 parts cornstarch with 1 part baking soda, and apply with a makeup brush to hair roots. Look for shampoos formulated with tea tree oil and citrus to remove excess oil and calm sebaceous glands. Instead of conditioner, use a light cream rinse, and skip the scalp; apply it from the tops of your ears down.

6. Dandruff

The cause. Dandruff is simply dry skin cells that shed from the scalp; seborrheic dermatitis and eczema can also be at the root of the problem. Malassezia, a typically harmless fungus, can irritate the scalp and cause faster turnover of skin cells, creating dandruff. Sensitivity to hair products and not shampooing often enough are other common causes.

The fix. Rule out dermatitis or eczema, and give chemical hair products the boot; restock your cabinets with natural shampoos, conditioners, and styling products to avoid irritating scalp. Products that contain salicylic acid, tea tree oil, baking soda, or vinegar can help tame dandruff. Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, an antifungal that can combat malassezia. Look for it in hair products, or use it straight up; once a week, gently massage coconut oil into scalp, leave it in for 30 minutes, then shampoo and rinse as usual.

Getting rid of stretch marks in a completely natural way isn’t likely. They are a type of scarring and rarely fade enough to become invisible. However, there are some remedies that can help minimize appearance of stretch marks and help them to fade more quickly.